Hotels near Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is one of Europe's longest gorges at 16 km, dropping 1,250 m from the Omalos plateau through the White Mountains National Park to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli. The hike takes 5-7 hours one way, passing the Sideroportes (Iron Gates) where the walls narrow to just 3 m apart. Start at Xyloskalo trailhead, follow the marked E4 path past kri-kri (Cretan wild goat) habitat, and finish at Agia Roumeli for a swim before the 17:30 ferry to Sougia or Chora Sfakion. Park entry costs 5 EUR in 2026 and the gorge usually opens 1 May to 31 October weather permitting.

Pro Tip: Book the KTEL gorge package from Chania (around 28 EUR including return ferry and bus) and start hiking by 08:00 to finish before the afternoon heat.